Get to Know…Kay Herring and Courtney Wiles with La Fiesta

Explain La Fiesta de las Seis Banderas’ mission and how you got involved with the organization.

La Fiesta was founded in 1986 to provide for the educational, charitable, and civic needs of the Town of Highland Park and the City of University Park. As a non-profit organization, La Fiesta plays a crucial role in raising funds to support our Park Cities beneficiaries and to provide ongoing maintenance for our original beneficiary, the Park Cities Heritage House in Old City Park.

Kay was the Duchess of Mexico in 1990. Her husband, Edward Herring, was her Escort. When Kay and Courtney’s kids were in middle school, they volunteered for various La Fiesta committees. Kay was the Social Chair in 2020, and then Kay and Courtney were the Luncheon Chairs in 2023. They had so much fun working together they rolled right into the La Fiesta Chair positions this year. Also, Courtney and Kay had a 2019 Duchess and Escort, and both had Escorts in 2021.

Tell us a little about yourselves and your background.

Courtney: I was born and raised in Houston. I attended the University of Texas and was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority. I got set up with my husband, Worthey, the first week of school. We have three children: Holland, Worthey, and Carson. I have loved raising my family in Dallas!

Kay: I was born and raised in Dallas, attended the University of Texas, and was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. My husband, Edward, and I have four children: James, John, Luke, and Abbie. My kids are third-generation Highland Park High School students, and we love this little community.

What makes La Fiesta so special and impactful to the Dallas community?

The funds that La Fiesta raises and then distributes to its beneficiaries make up some of the difference in our schools due to recaptured funds. La Fiesta also helps expand programs in the Arts, Counseling departments, the Rise school and the HP and UP Libraries to name a few.

What do you enjoy the most about being a part of the La Fiesta organization?

We have some of the most amazing volunteers who dedicate their year to creating, organizing, and executing all the events that make up a La Fiesta year. Working alongside these volunteers is an honor not to mention the friendships made along the way.

How does support from community partners like Highland Park Village help La Fiesta have a greater impact?

Community Partners like Highland Park Village are the cornerstones of La Fiesta’s success. From the kickoff event in March to the La Fiesta flags flying in HP Village during Fiesta week, our true community partnership is exemplified. HP Village’s support allows La Fiesta to meet the needs of our Beneficiaries, and we are thankful for their continued support.

What are some ways people in North Texas can get involved with La Fiesta?

Easy – volunteer, volunteer, volunteer! Over 100 volunteer spots are filled each year with various time commitments that all lead up to the Gala week. Also, underwriting sponsorships are always appreciated.

Where would we most likely find you in Highland Park Village?

We both love Veronica Beard and had a wonderful kickoff event for La Fiesta in their store in March. The rainy weather could not deter the La Fiesta Guild members from showing up and shopping the night away. Also, we love to eat so you can find us at Mi Cocina, Bistro 31, Honor Bar or Fachini on a night out.

Highland Park Village is proud to spotlight our very own dynamic personalities and community partners in the Village Voices series. Get to know our past features.